Acute Danger in Cala Major: Six Shops Closed in Palma

The city administration immediately closed six storefronts and the large hall on Avinguda de Joan Miró after a shop owner noticed significant cracks. Fire department and building department secured the facade.

Suddenly cordoned off: What happened on Avinguda de Joan Miró

On Tuesday morning, shortly after 9 a.m., emergency services were dispatched to Avinguda de Joan Miró in Cala Major. A shop owner had, according to his own statements, noticed deep cracks in the ceiling of his shop and raised the alarm immediately. The result: police, fire department and staff of the building department were on the scene within minutes.

The city later explained that an acute risk to the structure's stability had been found in the two-story building in question. In total, six storefronts on the ground floor and the large hall on the upper floor were closed and sealed as a precaution. Until we have a definitive assessment, no one will be allowed inside there, said a spokesperson for the incident command — and it did not feel routine.

How the fire brigade secured

The fire brigade teams braced certain areas and secured loose parts of the facade. On site, you could hear the soft clatter of police tape flapping in the wind and the occasional tone of a radio. Nearby residents were asked to keep their distance. Some shop owners, who would normally open their doors at this time, stood on the street with puzzled foreheads — uncertainty, no quick answers.

The city administration reminded that owners are required to have regular technical inspections carried out and to keep buildings in good repair. This is not new: in recent years there have been several cases of building damage and occasional collapses on the island, which many still remember.

What to expect now

The closed spaces remain for the time being. Building department inspectors are to produce a detailed analysis in the coming days. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may take weeks before restoration work begins — or longer if extensive renovations are necessary.

For the business people and associations in the building, that means: loss of income, canceled appointments, a lot of organizational work. Those who regularly shop here will immediately notice the empty storefronts at the end of Avinguda.

I noticed how quickly the neighborhood reacted: A cafe opposite offered affected shopkeepers coffee immediately — a small gesture in an uncomfortable situation. Whether the building will need to be secured long-term or even demolished will be shown by the technical investigation.

The city will publish further information shortly. Until then: keep distance, follow the instructions of the emergency responders, and stand in solidarity with those affected. Avinguda de Joan Miró is a lively connection between the harbor and Cala Major — and today, a reminder that building substance needs care.